Operation IRINI Successfully Concludes Focused Operations NEREUS 2026
Rome, 12 June 2026 — EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI has successfully concluded Focused Operations NEREUS 2026, a ten‑day surge of coordinated EU naval and air activities conducted from 3 to 12 June across the Central Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. The initiative strengthened operational effectiveness, enhanced interoperability among participating forces, and contributed to the development of a shared European maritime security architecture.
Naval units from Italy, Greece and Romania operated alongside air assets from Luxembourg, Poland, Italy and Greece, supported by additional naval, air and logistical capabilities made available by Member States within the area of operations.
Throughout the surge, IRINI executed the full spectrum of its mandated tasks under real operational conditions, reinforcing the EU’s role as a maritime security provider and validating the interoperability of Member States’ forces. Activities at sea and in the air demonstrated the Operation’s ability to uphold international law, enhance Maritime Situational Awareness, and contribute to long‑term regional stability.
VIP Day – 11 June 2026
As part of NEREUS 2026, IRINI hosted a VIP Day on 11 June, welcoming Lieutenant General (Italian Army) Enrico BARDUANI, Deputy Chair of the European Union Military Committee. During his visit, Lieutenant General Barduani observed operational activities at sea, engaged with embarked and deployed crews, and received briefings on IRINI’s evolving posture and its contribution to a coherent EU maritime security presence. His participation underscored the strategic relevance of the surge and reaffirmed the EU Military Committee’s support for a coordinated, professional and rules‑based European presence in the Mediterranean.
Rear Admiral (UH) Marco Casapieri, Operation Commander, highlighted the strategic value of the surge:
“IRINI is a ready, credible and scalable tool to foster the effectiveness, readiness and interoperability of assigned EU maritime forces. NEREUS 2026 shows the full potential that can be achieved when our naval forces act together with clarity of purpose and unity of effort.”
He also emphasised IRINI’s adaptability in a dynamic maritime environment:
“IRINI has once again demonstrated its ability to adapt to a changing scenario. Our readiness is solid, our procedures are aligned, and our commitment to being a credible EU security provider in the Mediterranean is stronger than ever.”
A Strengthened European Maritime Posture
Focused Operations NEREUS 2026 reaffirm the European Union’s determination to maintain a coordinated, rules‑based maritime presence in key sea lanes, promote shared responsibility among Member States, and invest in a common maritime security infrastructure that enhances Europe’s long‑term resilience.
EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI continues to serve as the EU’s standing maritime security presence in the Mediterranean, ensuring continuity of operations and delivering professional, effective and credible performance at sea.
A post‑operation assessment will consolidate lessons identified and support future surge periods, contributing to the ongoing development of EU maritime security capabilities.
